THE heartbroken boyfriend of Sophie Gradon has shared an emotional tribute to the tragic Love Island star - saying 'she was the girl of my dreams'.

Aaron Armstrong wrote on Instagram: "To think I will never see your beautiful smile again haunts me you are the girl of my dreams we spoke of having kids and spending the rest of our lives together.

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Friends said that Sophie was smitten with her new boyfriend AaronCredit: Instagram

"I'm so devastated that we will never get that chance to grow old together and raise a family I love you will all my heart Sophie u will always be in my heart you are my angel and I know that you will be by my side everyday."

"Sophie had wanted to settle down and was growing sick of the party lifestyle."

Tragically, it was devastated boyfriend Aaron Armstrong who found Sophie's body at the home near Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon.

Friends today revealed the former Miss GB had been acting as normal in the lead up to her death, even making plans for later this week.

Speaking to the Sun Online friend Michelle Thompson said Sophie had been speaking on Tuesday afternoon.

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The young woman had been looking after her parents' house when she diedCredit: North News and Pictures

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The former Miss GB had been open about her struggles with anxietyCredit: North News and Pictures

She said: "She was chatting about how they needed to arrange a date to catch up.

“She was happy. She came in with Aaron and they were smitten with each other.

“It was the happiest I had seen Sophie in such a long time.”

She said Sophie had tried to confront online trolls before her death, saying: "She cared too much, I think that's why the trolls got to her. "They were so terrible so cruel constantly pushing even into the final days."

How Sophie Gradon was introduced to Love Island viewers back in 2016

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Sophie Gradon had appeared on Love Island in 2016, with friends saying she had battled anxiety even before appearing on the reality TV showCredit: Rex Features

Other pals said Sophie had hidden her battles with anxiety, not giving any clues as to her internal struggles.

One friend told The Sun: “We all thought Sophie was the happiest she had ever been.

“She had suffered from depression and anxiety and there was talk of financial issues, which obviously adds to the worry she was enduring.

“Her friends thought she was in a great place as she was madly in love with her boyfriend and life was good.

“However a good friend died and it affected her very badly.

“She struggled to cope with it and fell into a dark place.”

Privately educated Sophie last week attended the funeral of close friend Paul Burns — a bar owner known as Mr Newcastle — who had a heart attack at 37.

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Sophie appeared on Love Island in 2016, coupling up with Tom PowellCredit: ITV

The former beauty queen, who starred in the 2016 series, appeared to have overcome a previous bout of depression.

Writing on Twitter, the reality star wrote: "Thinking back to when I became a total recluse, afraid to go out anywhere because of crippling anxiety & how different my life is now!!!

"Facing up to your fears is sometimes the hardest but most rewarding thing!!!"

She had previously spoken about her struggles with anxiety and the toll online trolls took on her.

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Sophie Gradon’s sister Charlotte Martin posted this picture of the pair as children with their dad after her death